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The Rebbe invested his heart and soul into developing Chasidim who would be imbued with a deep sense of mission and self-sacrifice. Through his talks, directives, private audiences and individual correspondence, the Rebbe carried out this formidable task.

For decades, the Rebbe’s presence was a prime motivator. The experience of being present at a Farbrengen with the Rebbe cannot be overstated. The Rebbe embodied holiness, Chassidus and Yiddishkeit. Just seeing him – let alone listening to his words – shaped and molded those in attendance, inspiring the individuals to actualize the Rebbe’s dream of transforming the world.

Today, this element is missing. The physical presence and visible role model is sorely missed.

Yet “Chassidim zaynen nisht elent”. The Rebbe did not leave us orphaned and leaderless, G-d forbid, rather we need to adapt and adjust to the new reality. We need to perceive the Rebbe’s presence even when our eyes can’t see him; hear the Rebbe’s words even as our physical ears don’t. We need to become skilled at using new tools; tools that require tremendous self-discipline and focus. If holiness doesn’t permeate us now, then we must reach out and touch it ourselves. We need to reach out and hold on.

These tools, as well, the Rebbe introduced to us. As described in Tanya, a Rebbe's life is not one of the flesh, but the spiritual ideals which he personified. He encouraged his Chassidim to focus on the mission, and to receive guidance through his teachings, showing them how to frame their personal challenges in the context of the teachings. The Rebbe prepared us for this day, refining our sensitivities.

Immersion in the Rebbe’s Torah grounds a chassid in chassidus and yiras-shomayim and makes the Rebbe real to today’s bochur, allowing him to feel a deep connection with the Nassi.

This is the mission of the Vaad. It is accomplished through many mediums: Presenting those Sichos that address our current situation; recreating as much as possible the atmosphere of a Farbrengen with the Rebbe; and most of all, using the Rebbe’s directives to inspire and guide bochurim today.

Our ultimate goal: educating mission-oriented Chassidim and Shluchim who will be tomorrow’s leaders, who will continue to actualize the Rebbe’s vision to perfect the world.

 

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The Vaad Talmidei Hatmimim Haolami is under the auspices of the Hanhala of the Central Yeshiva
Tomchei Tmimim — 770 and a branch of Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters.
The Chabad Lubavitch Center is a 501(c)3 charity and all contributions to it are tax deductible.